I’ve been thinking so much about my teenage makeup years lately that I can almost smell the vanilla swirl lip gloss as we speak. (Side note, who remembers the Bonne Bell Cappuccino lip gloss that kind of smelled like chocolate?! That was one of my staples.)

Ahhhh the joy of  venturing onto makeup island, where most of us will be spending the rest of our lives. I’m hoping that some of my suggestions (learned from lots of trial and error,) can clear the path a little bit and make the journey to makeup-land a more enjoyable one for teens. And parents too!

Let’s start here ↓ with our what NOT to do and what to do. Products I used in the photo on the right below.

Complexion Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer here, Urban Decay Naked Flushed palette in Streak for bronzer, blush and highlight here and Make Up Forever Full Cover Concealer here

Eyes Sephora Collection Retractable Brow Pencil here It Cosmetics Eye Shadow Trio in Pretty Amber here (I used this on all three girls in the first photo. Great universal colors!) L’Oreal Infallible Gel liner in Espresso here  (Also used this on all three girls.)  L’Oreal Voluminous mascara here

Lips Nyx Butter gloss in Apple Strudel here

Stay tuned! There’s more to come.

Photos by Jessica Janae Photography 

(Special thanks to Whitney)